Mohammad Azharuddin was one of the most graceful and stylish batsmen ever to play for India. He was a right-handed middle-order batsman known for his exceptional wristwork and elegant strokeplay. Azhar's batting was a perfect blend of timing, placement, and flair. He had a unique ability to play shots through the leg side with astonishing ease, often flicking the ball past mid-wicket and square leg with nothing more than a gentle turn of the wrists. His cover drives were equally beautiful, caressed more than struck, and he rarely relied on brute power. Instead, his batting was based on pure technique and natural class.
Azharuddin made his Test debut in 1984 against England and created history by scoring centuries in each of his first three Test matches — a record that still stands. His batting brought a sense of calmness to the Indian middle order. Whether playing against pace or spin, Azhar showed great footwork, composure, and confidence. He was especially effective on slow, turning tracks, where his quick reflexes and sharp cricketing brain helped him dominate the opposition.
Over the course of his Test career, Azharuddin played 99 matches, scoring 6,215 runs at an impressive average of 45.03. He notched up 22 centuries and 21 fifties, with a highest score of 199. His ability to score runs consistently against top-class bowling attacks made him one of India's most dependable batsmen during the late 1980s and 1990s. Though strike rates were not commonly tracked during that era, his scoring rate was considered moderate to brisk for a middle-order batsman of his time.
In addition to his batting, Azhar was also a brilliant fielder, especially in the slips and inner ring, with quick reflexes and safe hands. He went on to captain India in both Tests and ODIs, leading the side with a calm and composed approach. Despite the controversies that emerged later in his career, Mohammad Azharuddin's contribution to Indian cricket — particularly with the bat — remains unforgettable.